How to put in Support posts. Decking tip 1

Deck support posts are an important part of building a deck. Once you have the size of the post you need from decking span tables. The most common post sizes are 90mm x 90mm for low decks. High decks (above 1500mm high) have stricter rules upon them and thus may require larger posts. Check decking span tables for the regulations.

See example above on how to concrete in a post. Note: if the post is H3 or greater the decking post can be concreted straight into the ground without the galvanised bracket.

Fixing the ledger beam to the house wall. Decking tips 2.

The ledge beam must be fixed to the house with galvanised dyna bolts if fixing to brick wall or coach screws into the studs for a timber wall. Do not fix your coach screws into just into weather board or fibro. As this will result in the deck being unsable.

Cross bracing. Decking tip 3

When a deck is freestanding it must have cross bracing added so that it cannot fall over. Check decking span tables for cross bracing specifications. See the cross bracing example on the deck picture below right:

Decking Check List

• All screws, nails and bolts must be galvanised or stainless steel.
• All timber must be treated pine or hardwood
• Make sure your deck is strong enough to be full of people. People weight 80-100kg each
• It is best to use galvanised stirrups below ground.
• Make sure your hand rail (balustrade) is make to current building standards.
• Leave a 3mm- 5mm gap between the decking boards.
• Low decks = up to 1500mm.
• High decks = above 1500mm.